LL.M. Course

An LL.M. course or masters of law degree is a one-year to two-year program designed for students who have already completed their LL.B. or an equivalent law degree. It provides deeper knowledge in specific areas of law and is often taken to enhance legal careers or academic opportunities.

LL.M. stands for Master of Laws, derived from the Latin term Legum Magister. It is a postgraduate degree pursued after completing a bachelor’s in law, designed for learners who want to gain advanced expertise in specialized areas of the legal field.

No, completing an LLM masters in law alone does not make you a lawyer. To practice law, you must first earn an LL.B. degree and clear the All India Bar Examination (AIBE). The LL.M. enhances your legal expertise if you’re already qualified as a lawyer. 

LL.M. offers you the opportunity to have in-depth legal knowledge about a specific field. Hence, the comprehensiveness of the topics can make the degree a tough subject, but if you opt for a specialization that you truly love, then the master of laws course becomes relatively easy as your interest stays piqued throughout the coursework.

Being an advanced degree, LL.M. graduates can join top positions even as freshers. The career trajectory depends on what you wish to gain in life professionally.

1. If you wish to become a Judge, you need to practice law for a certain amount of time and clear the Judicial Services Examination or PCS (J)-Provincial Civil Service-Judicial Examination.
2. If you wish to freelance, you can work as an attorney who can take up cases as per your choice. But you need to have a good network and verbal promotions for clients to come to you.
3. Other career options after LL.M. course are:

• Sub Magistrate
• Sub divl. Magistrate
• District Munsiff
• Legal officers
• Adviser in banks
• PSUs
• Legal Defense Officers
• Executive officers
• Criminal Lawyer
• Corporate Lawyer
• Associate Attorney

A paralegal is a person who can offer legal advice but they are not formally educated in the legal field. A paralegal does not complete the undergraduate and postgraduate law degrees. They are not required to sit for examinations. Rather, paralegals take courses curated for a paralegal career. These courses usually are shorter than one year.

The main jobs of a paralegal are:

• Interviewing witnesses
• Preparing correspondence drafts
• Gathering facts related to the case
• Conducting thorough research to build reference points
• Planning the management of a case

Some of the best online master’s programs in law globally are crafted to meet international academic standards while offering flexibility for working professionals. upGrad in collaboration with Jindal Global Law School (JGU), offers globally recognized LL.M. programs designed for modern legal careers.

• LL.M. in Corporate & Financial Law
• LL.M. in Intellectual Property & Technology Law

• LL.M. in AI and Emerging Technologies
• LL.M. in Dispute Resolution
• LL.M. in Criminal Law and Criminal Justice
• LL.M. in Taxation Law, Policy, and Regulation

Yes, pursuing an LL.M. course in a different country from where you obtained your initial law degree is quite common. It can be an enriching experience, offering a global perspective on law. Many LL.M. programs welcome international students, providing opportunities to study different legal systems and international law.

To enroll in an LLM masters in law program, you typically need to have completed an LL.B. or equivalent law course after graduation. Some universities may also accept students with international law degrees, provided they meet eligibility and English proficiency requirements.

The LL.M. course duration varies between 1 to 2 years, depending on the university and country. In India, many universities like O.P. Jindal Global Law School offer a 12-month LLM degree duration, while some global institutions offer a 2-year option as well.

Master of laws programs in high-demand areas typically include specializations in corporate law, intellectual property law, international law, environmental law, and human rights law. These fields are rapidly evolving and require legal professionals with specialized knowledge, making masters of law degree programs in these areas highly sought after. 

LLM online programs in India usually take 1 to 2 years to complete, depending on the university and chosen specialization. These programs are designed for working professionals, allowing them to advance their legal knowledge in areas like corporate law, technology law, or environmental law without taking a break from their careers.

No, you cannot join an LL.M. after the 12th. To pursue LL.M., you must first complete a bachelor’s degree in law (LL.B. or equivalent). After that, you can apply for an LL.M. program.

Yes, many online LLM programs are designed for working professionals, offering flexible, self-paced learning with live sessions and recorded lectures. This allows you to upskill in law without pausing your career.

Core subjects in an LLM masters in law program often include advanced legal theory, specialized areas of law (such as corporate and financial law, intellectual property and technology law, and dispute resolution), legal research methods, and comparative legal analysis. Law courses aim to provide an in-depth understanding of specific legal fields while developing critical thinking and research skills.

Language proficiency requirements for a Master at Law course, especially for non-native English speakers, typically include standardised tests like the TOEFL or IELTS.

Dissertation is a compulsory course. The choice of topic and title shall be approved by the JGLS Dissertation Committee.

Common assessments in master of laws courses include research papers, essays, case studies, oral presentations, and examinations. These assessments are designed to evaluate a student's understanding of legal principles, analytical abilities, and application of legal theory to practical scenarios.

The cost of an LL.M. program varies widely, depending on factors such as the institution's reputation, the country of study, and the duration of LL.M. course.

Additional costs beyond tuition fees for Law certificate courses or LL.M. courses may include expenses for course materials, textbooks, and possibly travel and accommodation for any in-person components or residency requirements.

Many universities and law schools offer scholarships for Master at Law courses to eligible students. These scholarships can be based on merit, financial need, or specific criteria related to the student's background or area of study.

Working part-time while pursuing an LL.M. is feasible, especially for students enrolled in law classes blended or in flexible programs. These LL.M. blended degree programs offer the necessary flexibility to balance work and study.

Some Law courses may require an application fee, which typically covers the administrative costs of processing applications. It's advisable to check with the specific institution for details regarding application fees.

Instalment payment plans for LL.M. program fees are commonly offered by many institutions, allowing students to pay tuition in parts over the course of their studies.

Refund policies for withdrawing from an online LL.M. course or any LL.M. course vary by institution. Most have specific guidelines based on the timing of withdrawal. It's important to review these policies thoroughly before enrolling in a program.

Yes, pursuing an LL.M. or Master's in Law is a great career move. It can boost your chances of landing high-paying roles in law firms, corporations, policy organizations, or academia. With specializations like LL.M. in company law or dispute resolution, you can position yourself as an expert in high-demand areas.

An LLM degree helps law graduates specialize in particular areas of law and grow their careers. Post-LLM salaries vary depending on the role, experience, and skills. For example:

• Legal Advisors: INR 3-6 LPA
• Corporate Counsels: INR 9-28 LPA
• Associates in Top Law Firms in India: INR 3-7 LPA
• Independent Litigators & Arbitrators: Highly variable, often increasing with experience and client base

Overall, pursuing an LLM can greatly enhance your earning potential, especially in corporate law, specialized legal domains, or leading law firms.

LL.M. in Advocate simply means an advocate pursuing a masters of law degree to specialize in a chosen field. It helps practicing lawyers build expertise in areas like taxation, corporate governance, or dispute resolution. 

On average, fresh LL.M. graduates earn around ₹50,000 per month (approx. ₹6 LPA). With experience, especially in corporate law or litigation, salaries can rise to ₹1- 2 lakh per month (₹12 - 25 LPA annually).

An online LLM in India opens opportunities as a legal advisor, corporate counsel, litigation expert, or law researcher. Specializations like corporate law, intellectual property, or dispute resolution enhance prospects in law firms, corporations, government, NGOs, and academia. Online programs also allow you to upskill while working, making career growth flexible and accessible.

Yes, an online LL.M. is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in India, but only if it is offered by a UGC-approved university and follows the official regulations for online degree programs. For example, O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) offers UGC-approved online LL.M. programs in areas like Corporate & Financial Law and Criminal Law, which are valid for employment, higher studies, and professional recognition.

Note: However, it is always advised to check the UGC’s official list of approved online courses before enrolling.

A JD (Juris Doctor) is the primary law degree in the US, while an LL.M. is an advanced master’s in law course. So, an LLM is considered academically higher but is usually pursued after completing a JD or equivalent.

In most cases, an LL.M. without an LL.B. is not possible, since it requires a prior law degree. However, some online international law courses or law certificate courses may accept non-law graduates.

Both degrees serve different purposes. An LL.B. is the foundation to become a lawyer, while an LLM master of Laws course is for specialization after your LL.B. If you’re just starting, an LL.B. is essential, but for career growth, an LL.M. is better.

Online LL.M. courses offer flexibility, allowing working professionals to study at their own pace through live and recorded sessions. They are often more affordable and accessible, with globally recognized universities like OP Jindal Global University offering online LL.M. programs via upGrad.

Offline LL.M. programs, on the other hand, follow a traditional classroom format, providing in-person learning and campus exposure. Universities like National Law School of India University (NLSIU) and Delhi University offer full-time on-campus LL.M. programs that focus on academic immersion and peer interaction.

An LLB is an undergraduate law degree providing a broad foundation in law, while an LLM is a postgraduate program that offers advanced specialization in areas like corporate law, IP law, or criminal law. Online LLB builds basic legal knowledge, whereas online LLM focuses on expertise, research, and career advancement in specialized fields.

Yes, AI can significantly aid legal research for LLM students by quickly analyzing case laws, statutes, and legal documents, identifying relevant precedents, and summarizing insights. This saves time, improves accuracy, and helps focus on critical analysis and strategy.